Downtown Evanston hosts several events throughout the year to bring people together in our beautiful downtown. Most of these events take place at Fountain Square, which is a City of Evanston park. Downtown Evanston produces and organizes events that the Board of Directors decides are beneficial to our goal of creating a fun and exciting place for residents and visitors. Downtown Evanston are not silent partners or event planners for any other organization.
If you are interested in sponsoring our events, please review our
2024 Sponsorship Opportunities and contact us with any questions.
2023 EVENTS
Small Business Saturday |
Saturday, November 25Shopping and dining deals offered throughout downtown Evanston. Downtown Evanston organizes a Shopping Passport Program with giveaways for shoppers that spend a certain amount.
Holiday Light Celebration | Saturday, December 2Annual lighting of the holiday tree at Fountain Square with Mayor Biss, City Clerk Mendoza, Santa and Mrs. Claus and special performers. Event is from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.
Warm Bevvy Walk | Thursday, December 14From 4-7pm, shoppers enjoy warm beverages as they stroll throughout downtown stopping at local businesses to shop for holiday gifts.
2024 EVENTS
Summer Sounds | July 11 to September 26
Downtown Evanston is bringing back weekly live music featuring a variety of music genres! Concerts are from 5-7pm at Fountain Square.
Thursday Night Markets | June to September Outdoor market at Fountain Square for retail shops, artists, makers on June 6, July 11, August 1 and September 5 from 4-8pm.
Sidewalk Sale & Chalk Art Contest | July 26-28Businesses move sale items to the sidewalk for the weekend! All businesses invited to participate in the Chalk Art contest where they work with an artist or family to decorate the sidewalk in front of their business.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Stroll | October 26Local businesses offer candy or another treat to trick-or-treaters. Fall themed activities at Fountain Square.
Small Business Saturday |
Saturday, November 23Shopping and dining deals offered throughout downtown Evanston. Downtown Evanston organizes a Shopping Passport Program with giveaways for shoppers that spend a certain amount.
Warm Bevvy Walk | Thursday, December 12 Enjoy warm beverages as you stroll throughout downtown stopping at local businesses to shop for holiday gifts!
Holiday Light Celebration | Saturday, December 7Annual lighting of the holiday tree at Fountain Square with Evanston Mayor, Santa and other special guests and musical performances.
If a business, organization or other entity is interested in hosting an event at Fountain Square or one that would require street closures, please reach out to the City of Evanston Parks & Recreation to apply for a special event permit.
Click here to learn more about the process.
Contact Laura Brown at
lbrown@DowntownEvanston.org or 847-866-6319 if you have any questions.